Dunbar United's Grant Thomson aiming for club record

Club captain Grant Thomson is now second in the club’s all-time appearances list, with only Dougie Elms ahead of him.

Elms, who also had a brief spell as interim manager at the club, made 533 appearances for the Seasiders but Thomson is determined to surpass that figure, with another two years on his deal at New Countess Park.

The 34-year-old described what the club meant to him: “It’s my life, basically.

“I live and breathe football but I also live and breathe Dunbar United.

“I am trying to help the club; even if it is the under-20s or the committee asking me for something, it is what I know.

“The pitch and the facility are right on my doorstep.

“I am down there every day at the play park with my son or at the sports centre.

“It is pretty much my life.”

Grant Thomson was joined by son Ellis and niece Molly Coulson ahead of kick off for his testimonial with Dunbar United in 2022

Appearance number 459 came against Dunipace and took Thomson – who lives in Dunbar with wife Adele and son Ellis – clear of Jamie Congalton in second spot.

On Saturday, he clocked up appearance 460 and then 461 on Tuesday. . . and he has not ruled out adding the 73 appearances needed to reach the top of the chart.

He said: “Our manager Kevin Haynes offered me a two-year deal starting from next year. He was really keen on wanting me to go and try to chase it down.

“I am thankful to him for giving me that opportunity and, hopefully, my body keeps going!

“You see the names on the list and it is local guys up there.

“It is good to be in amongst those names and there are a lot of people who have spoken to me and congratulated me.

“It’s quite a proud thing.”

Grant Thomson has reached an important milestone with Dunbar United. Image: Dunbar United Football Club

Thomson, who works at nearby Torness Power Station, was born in Kirkcaldy and welcomed Raith Rovers for his testimonial celebrating 10 years with Dunbar two years ago.

During his time at the club, he has celebrated promotion to the top flight of the East of Scotland Football League (EoSFL). Last season saw the club finish fourth in the EoSFL Premier Division and reach the third round of the Scottish Cup, knocking out former holders East Fife along the way. This season has proven more challenging for Dunbar, who sit in mid-table.

Thomson said: “We are just trying to fight and get back to where we should be.”

Manager Haynes was full of praise for the defender, who has been an integral part of his squad over the last three-and-a-half seasons.

He said: “As a person, he is a good man. He comes from a good family and has a lovely family with his wife Adele and his son. He is a good person to have around the club and an ambassador for the club.

“I think this is his 13th season and he is someone that everyone in the town, because he is a local lad, looks up to.

“All the young kids want to speak to him when they are at games. I cannot speak highly enough of him.”